Chinese Daoist Temple Scroll - Realm of the Dead

The judge looks up from his book, and he does not look pleased.

From China, 18th century, this Daoist temple scroll of the Realm of the Dead is ink on paper. In Daoist belief the dead pass before magistrates of the underworld, and temple paintings like this one made the proceedings plain to the faithful. A scowling, bearded judge in an ornate hat leans over his open ledger behind a red-draped desk. Attendants crowd around him, and four haloed figures sit on clouds above. Lower down, horse-headed demons tend a cauldron, and bloodied prisoners wait their turn. It measures 27.6 inches wide and 77.5 high.

Nobody has ever left this office early.